Ronald William Lawton

Ronald William Lawton, 77, of Robinson Street in Silver Creek, passed away at his home on March 6, 2026. Born in Silver Creek on February 16, 1949, he was the son of the late Norris and Dorothy (Schiedel) Lawton.

A graduate of Lake Shore Central School, Ron worked for more than 25 years at the former Gowanda Psychiatric Center in Helmuth. He later spent approximately ten years with Southern Tier Environment for Living before retiring and driving briefly for Meals on Wheels. He was known for his artistic and crafty nature, his passion for gardening, and his generosity in creating homemade gifts and offering help to others. Ron enjoyed watching the Buffalo Bills and listening to 60s music, especially the Beach Boys.

He had a big heart and often stepped into a parental role for his beloved nieces and nephews, who survive him: Paula (Bill) Ferneza, Tim (Karin) Braidich, Amy (Jeff) Dean, and Brett (Jen) Braidich. He was especially close to and proud of his great-nieces and great-nephews: William (Crystal) Buchholz, Lauren (Mike) Nelson, Megan (Nick) DeJoe, Shelby (Shon) Russell, TJ Braidich, Brianna Braidich, and Victoria (Nick) Mays, along with their young children Ellie and Dean DeJoe, Jeremiah Buchholz, Blair Nelson, and Gianna Mays. He is also survived by his beloved cat Sophie, as well as several other nieces, nephews, and cousins. Ron was predeceased by his brothers Walter and Norris “Buddy” Lawton and his sisters Beverly Sandell and Patricia Braidich, with whom he shared a particularly close bond and often referred to as his “partner in crime.”